1740 in History

Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg Empire

Orders his generals to invade Silesia

Personally leads an army of 40,000

1st day of the Prussian invasion of Silesia

Offers to vote for Maria Theresas husband if Silesia is handed over to Prussia. Decides to make a preemptive strike against Maria Therasa & her ally the Russians

Frederick II offers to support Maria Theresa in return for Silesia but is refused

Frederick disputed the succession of the 23-year-old Maria Theresa to the Habsburg lands, while simultaneously making his own claim on Silesia

Upon succeeding to the throne and desiring the prosperous Austrian province of Silesia Frederick declines to endorse the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713

Upon succeeding to the throne and desiring the prosperous Austrian province of Silesia Frederick declines to endorse the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713

Frederick II offers to support Maria Theresa in return for Silesia but is refused

Maria Theresas succession is disputed by Charles Albert, Philip V & Augustus III. Maria Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg Empire

Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg Empire

Maria Theresas succession is disputed by Charles Albert, Philip V & Augustus III

Maria Theresas succession is disputed by Charles Albert, Philip V & Augustus III. Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg Empire

Maria Theresas succession is disputed by Charles Albert, Philip V & Augustus III

Succeeds as Queen of Hungary

Maria Theresas succession is disputed by Charles Albert, Philip V & Augustus III. Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg Empire

Death of Charles VI

Death of Charles VI, the last male Habsburg

Death of Frederick William I of Prussia

Says he had at last, "had the decency to die". Death of Frederick William I

Crowned King of Prussia, says "a crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in"